Oral Care Implement

ABSTRACT

An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a releasable material (e.g., an oral medicament) and a tissue cleaner for cleaning the soft tissues and removing odor-causing bacteria from the mouth. In one arrangement, the releasable material is disposed on the surface of the tissue cleaner. In one arrangement, the releasable material is disposed behind the tissue cleaner. In one arrangement, the releasable material is incorporated in the composition of the tissue cleaner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser.No. 11/852,621, filed Sep. 10, 2007, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 10/986,809, filed Nov. 15, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No.7,273,327, which is a continuation in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/869,922 filed Jun. 18, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,143,462,and a continuation in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/601,106 filed Jun. 20, 2003, now abandoned, and claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 60/600,701, filed Aug. 11, 2004; theentirety of which applications are expressly incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

The present invention pertains to an oral care implement with a tissuecleaner and a releasable material for engaging tissue of the mouth.

BACKGROUND

According to the American Dental Association, a major source of badbreath in healthy people is microbial deposits on the tongue, where abacterial coating harbors organisms and debris that contribute to badbreath. Tissue in the mouth, and especially the tongue, is a haven forthe growth of microorganisms. The papillary nature of the tongue surfacecreates a unique ecological site that provides an extremely largesurface area, favoring the accumulation of oral bacteria. Anaerobicflora and bacteria residing on the tongue and other soft tissues in themouth play an important role in the development of chronic bad breathcommonly called halitosis. In general, the bacteria produce volatilesulfur compounds (VSC). If there is enough buildup of the sulfurcompounds, the result can be lead bad breath or oral malodor.

While tongue scrapers have been used in the past, they have generallynot been effective, easy to use, or socially acceptable for use in apublic setting. Further, many of these scrapers cannot easily be used tocleanse other tissue within the mouth. Notwithstanding the benefits tobe gained by cleaning the tissue in the mouth, many users avoid the useof such cleaners due to a lack of comfort and/or ease of use.

In addition, it has not been convenient or socially acceptable for usersto clean their tongues and other soft tissue in the mouth in publicsettings, on the go or, away from home.

Hence, there is a need for an oral care implement with a tongue cleanerthat provides effective removal of the tongue bacteria and other debris,maintains comfort to the user, provides a substance to treat tissues ofthe mouth, is easy to use, and is socially acceptable and convenient inpublic settings or on the go. There is also a need for an oral implementwhich combines the cleaning effects of a tissue cleaner and medicament.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to an oral care implement includes a tissuecleaner which provides improved cleaning and effective removal ofbacteria and microdebris disposed on the oral tissue surfaces.

In one aspect of the invention, a releasable material is supported by aninsoluble tissue cleaner that includes at least one tissue engagingelement for cleaning tissue surfaces in the mouth. The tissue engagingelement(s) may be rubbed along the oral tissue to remove bacteria anddebris while a chemical of the releasable material is released into themouth of a user. In one preferred embodiment, the releasable material isprovided as an antiseptic and/or breath freshener for enhanced cleaningand freshening of the mouth.

In another aspect of the invention, the tissue cleaner is composed of anelastomeric material. In one preferred embodiment, the tissue cleaner isformed as an elastomeric molded element provided with a plurality ofexterior nubs. The tissue cleaner may include an interior or an exteriorsupporting surface of an oral medicament.

In another aspect of the invention, the oral care implement includes acavity to hold an oral medicament for ease of releasing the medicamentinto the mouth.

In another aspect of the invention, the oral care implement resembles alollipop for convenience, ease of use and social acceptance. In onepreferred embodiment, the tongue cleaner and/or medicament has a diskshape and is mounted on the end of a stick.

In another aspect of the invention, a chemical is incorporated into thematerial of a tissue cleaner. In one preferred embodiment, the chemicalis released from the tissue cleaner for creating a sensory response tothe tissues inside of the mouth of a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention and theadvantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the followingdescription in consideration of the accompanying drawings, in which likereference numbers indicate like features, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first oral care implement according toone or more aspects of the invention:

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the oral care implement of FIG. 1 withthe tissue cleaner omitted to show the Support and releasable materialtherein;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the oral care implement of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the oral care implement of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a section view of the oral care implement of FIG. 1 takenalong line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second oral care implement accordingto one or more aspects of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the oral care implement of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a section view of the oral care implement of FIG. 6 takenalong line 8-8 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a front view of a third oral care implement according to oneor more aspects of the invention; and

FIG. 10 is a section view of the oral care implement of FIG. 9 takenalong line 10-10 in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an oral care implement 100 with a grip portion orhandle 103 and a head 105 for reducing oral malodor and cleaning thetissue in the mouth, such as the tongue, interior surfaces of thecheeks, lips or the gums. Among other features, oral care implement 100enables convenient on-the-go or away from home use to clean the tissuesof the mouth. Head 105 includes both a tissue cleaner 109 and areleasable material 107. Handle 103 is provided for the user to readilygrip and manipulate the oral implement 100. While the handle 103 isgenerally cylindrical, it may have many different shapes andconstructions. Though the head preferably has a rounded or bulbousconstruction relative to the handle, it could in some constructionssimply be a continuous extension of the handle.

As can be appreciated, oral care implement 100 preferably resembles alollipop in its construction for convenience, compact size, ease of use,and social acceptance. With this construction, users can readily carryand use the implement without drawing attention to themselves or feelingself-conscious about cleansing their mouths, particularly if they are ina public place. Moreover, this preferred form of the invention can beeasily transported for use while on the go by many active users. Suchease and convenience is a significant benefit for those wishing tocleanse their mouths before interactions with others, such as meetingsat work, social engagements, etc. particularly for those on the go,between activities, away from home, or in a public setting.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the releasable material 107 can be anysuitable biocompatible medication or chemical for oral use. Thereleasable material 107 can be provided in a suitable shape in a tabletform for oral use or any other suitable form. The releasable material107 may be released to the inside of the mouth, lips, or cheeks by wayof several methods, including but not limited to abrasion, a temperaturechange, a change in pH or dissolution.

Preferably, the releasable material is a soluble breath freshening agentwhich dissolves in an oral fluid, such as salvia. The breath fresheningagent may be an anti-bacterial substance used to treat anaerobic floraand bacteria residing on the tongue or other soft tissues of the mouth.One example of a breath freshening agent which may be used is triclosan.

In other constructions, the releasable material 107 can comprise achemical substance which imparts other benefits. For example, a chemicalsubstance (e.g., a sensate) can be used to provide a biochemical sensoryresponse to the inside tissue of the mouth and/or lips of a user. As oneexample, a chemical substance known as capsiason can be used to providea tingle, a warm massage, or a soothing sensation to a user. In anotherexample, spillanthol can be used to provide a residual tingle sensationas well as breathe freshening benefits. In another example, chamomileand lavender can be used to provide stress relief and relaxationbenefits to the user. In yet another example, a flavoring can be used toenhance the user's enjoyment during cleansing of the mouth.

In yet other constructions, the releasable material 107 can comprise achemical or medicament for oral benefits. For example, HUMPHRIES 3 orbenzocaine can be used for pain relief. In another example, zo-cainetype of medicines can be used as an appetite suppressant for weight losstreatment. In yet another example, the releasable material can beaspirin and the like. In an alternative construction, the releasablematerial may be a health supplement, such as a vitamin or mineral.Nevertheless, a wide variety of other chemicals which provide amedicinal or sensory response can be used with the oral care implement.Also, depending on the chemicals, a plurality of chemicals may becombined in tablets or the like of releasable material for multiplebenefits.

Tissue cleaner 109 includes at least one tissue engaging element forcleansing oral tissue and means for retaining the releasable material107. As shown in the arrangement of FIGS. 1-5, tissue cleaner 109 isformed as a bulbous or disk-like element composed of a soft pliableelastomeric material for comfortable cleaning and effective removal ofbacteria and debris disposed on tissue in the mouth, such as the tongue,inner surfaces of the cheeks, gums, and lips. The tissue cleaner 109also provides effective massaging, stimulation and removal of epithelialcells from the oral tissue.

The elastomeric material of tissue cleaner 109 may be any biocompatibleresilient material suitable for uses in an oral hygiene apparatus. Toprovide optimum comfort as well as cleaning benefits, the elastomericmaterial preferably has a hardness property in the range of A8 to A25Shore hardness. As an example, one preferred elastomeric material isstyrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS) manufactured byGLS Corporation. Nevertheless, SEBS material from other manufacturers orother materials within and outside the noted hardness range could beused.

Tissue cleaner 109 is preferably configured with a multiplicity oftissue engaging elements 111 (FIGS. 1 and 3-5), which in the preferredconstruction are formed as nubs, and which will be described hereinafterfor purposes of simplicity as “nubs.” As used herein a “nub” isgenerally meant to include a column-like protrusion (without limitationto the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion) which is upstanding froma base surface. In a general sense, the nub, in the preferredconstruction, has a height that is greater than the width at the base ofthe nub (as measured in the longest direction). Nevertheless, nubs couldinclude projections wherein the widths and heights are roughly the sameor wherein the heights are somewhat smaller than the base widths.However, in some circumstances (e.g., where the nub tapers to a tip orincludes a base portion that narrows to a smaller projection), the basewidth can be substantially larger than the height.

Nubs 111 enable mechanical removal of microflora and other debris fromthe teeth, tongue and other soft tissue surfaces within the mouth. Thetongue, in particular, is prone to develop bacterial coatings that areknown to harbor organisms and debris that can contribute to bad breath.This microflora can be found in the recesses between the papillae onmost of the tongue's upper surface as well as along other soft tissuesurfaces in the mouth. When engaged or otherwise rubbed against a tonguesurface, for example, nubs 111 provide for gentle engagement with thesoft tissue while reaching downward into the recesses of adjacentpapillae of the tongue. The elastomeric construction of tissue cleaner109 also enables the head 105 to follow the natural contours of the oraltissue surfaces, such as the tongue, cheeks, lips, and gums of a user.Moreover the nubs 111 are preferably soft so as to flex as needed totraverse and clean the tissue surfaces in the mouth. In the preferredconstruction, nubs 111 are able to flex and bend from their respectivevertical axes as lateral pressure is applied during use. This flexingenhances the comfort and cleaning of the soft tissue surfaces.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 4-5, in one preferred arrangement of tissuecleaner 109, nubs 111 are preferably conically or substantiallyconically shaped, although other configurations are contemplated. Asused herein, “conically shaped” or “conical” is preferably meant toinclude true cones, frusto-conically shaped elements, and other shapesthat taper to a narrow end and thereby resemble a cone irrespective ofwhether they are uniform, continuous in their taper, or have roundedcross-sections. With reference to FIG. 5, the base portion 113 of theconically shaped tissue engaging elements 111 is larger than thecorresponding tip portion 115 and has a wider cross-sectional area toprovide effective shear strength to withstand the movement of the tissuecleaner 109 along a soft tissue surface. The preferably smaller width ordiameter of the tip portion 115 in conjunction with the length of theconically shaped nub 111 enable the nubs to sweep into the recesses ofthe tongue and other surfaces to clean the microbial deposits and otherdebris from the soft tissue surfaces. Further this constructioneffectively enables the releasable material to enter the recesses of theadjacent papillae of the tongue for oral care treatment.

In a preferred construction, the thickness or width of the base of thenub is 0.64 mm, and preferably within the range from about 0.51 mm toabout 2.00 mm. Tip 115 of the nub is 0.127 mm in width and preferablywithin a range from about 0.0.10 mm to about 0.75 mm for optimalpenetration between the recesses of papillae of a user's tongue. Thelength or height of the nubs 111 as measured from base surface 113 totip 115, is preferably 0.91 mm and preferably within range from about0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm, and most preferably range between 0.75 mm to 1.5mm. It should be recognized that the foregoing dimensions are providedto generally correspond to the typical anatomy of a human tongue whichdoes not deviate significantly from the norm. Nevertheless, nubs ofother sizes and shapes outside the given ranges can be used.

As seen in FIG. 3, nubs 111 are preferably disposed in concentric rings,rows or loops 117 at spaced radial distances from the center of the head105. This configuration encourages natural small circular motions on thetongue surface and other soft tissues to effectively clean the tissueand promote a user's salivary flow to release the releasable material107 into the mouth. Further, the motion of the head and nub constructionhelps force the releasable material 107 into the adjacent papillae ofthe tongue. In one preferred construction, nubs 111 on adjacent loops117 may be radially aligned. For example, adjacent loops 117 have nubs111 that are directly behind each other. A first nub is said herein tobe “directly behind” a second nub when it is located within the lateralbounds of the second nub extending in a radial direction. In analternative arrangement, the adjacent loops 117 can be in a staggeredarrangement where the nubs are not directly radially behind another nub.These configurations enable improved cleaning of the soft tissuesurfaces by facilitating the removal of microflora and other debris andproviding the oral medicament especially in the recesses of adjacentpapillae of the tongue. Nonetheless, the nubs could be arranged randomlyor in a myriad of different ordered patterns.

While a description of a preferred embodiment of the tissue cleaner hasbeen discussed, it should be understood that benefits of the inventioncan still be obtained with a wide variety of tissue cleanerconstructions. For example, the tissue engaging elements may be in formsother than nubs, such as, for example, ridges or hemispheres. The tissueengaging elements may be formed on one side, a part of a side or sides,both sides, or the entire periphery of the tissue cleaner. Finally, thetissue cleaner may be formed of a non-elastomeric material or acombination of different materials. In an alternative embodiment, theopposing end 104 of the handle opposite the head 105 may be used fororal hygiene benefits. For example, the end 104 may include a smalltoothbrush, a flossing bow, or a toothpick.

In the arrangement of oral care implement 100 shown in FIG. 2, the head105 preferably includes a base 106 with an aperture or cavity 108 oftissue cleaner 109 (FIG. 1) to hold and retain the unreleased form ofthe releasable material 107. The disk shaped base 106 provides a surfacefor over-molding of the tissue cleaner 109. In a preferred construction,the releasable material 107 is also covered by the elastomeric surfaceof the tissue cleaner 109 (see FIG. 5). Base 106 is preferably formed ofa hard or flexible plastic, but could be Formed of an elastomer or othermaterials. Further, the base could be a unitary portion of theelastomeric material forming the tissue cleaner 109.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the tissue cleaner 109 includes holes 110 inthe elastomer surface which enable the releasable material 107 todissolve and release the chemical into the mouth of a user. As analternative, the releasable material may be a fluid that is encapsulatedin an outer layer that dissolves or is broken by the user's teeth torelease the chemical. In either construction, effective cleaning of thetissue surfaces in the mouth may be obtained though the combined use ofthe tissue cleaner 109 mechanically scrubbing the tissue surfaces andthe beneficial effects of applying and breath freshener/antisepticaround the oral cavity. Also, by enclosing the releasable materialwithin the tissue cleaner, most of the surface area of the tissuecleaner 109 is provided for cleaning performance.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate an alternative embodiment of an oral care implement200 with a handle 203 and a head 205 for reducing oral malodor andcleaning the soft tissue in the mouth. The embodiment of oral careimplement 200 is similar in construction to the oral care implement 100of FIGS. 1-5, except that a tissue cleaner 209 has an opening 208visibly exposing a releasable material 207 for use. While opposing sidesof the releasable material 207 is exposed in the head 205, only one sideof the material 207 may be exposed. Tissue cleaner 209 includes tissueengaging elements 211 similar in construction to nubs 111 as tissuecleaner 109. In a preferred construction, the releasable material 207 inthe form of a liquid breath freshener (or other material) is provided asa small bead, tablet, or the like, which is supported in the interior ofthe head 205. The releasable material 207 may be a solid dissolvablebead or a liquid encapsulated in a dissolvable or breakable outer cover(e.g., a container). In the most preferred arrangement, the releasablematerial may be disposed in the center of the head 205. As noted,releasable material 207 may be broken by the teeth of a user ordissolved by the salvia to release a liquid breath freshener and/orantiseptic in the mouth. Nevertheless, other types of the releasablematerials may be used. In one arrangement, the user may replace thereleasable material 207 in the elastomeric tissue cleaner 209 formultiple uses of the oral care implement 200. In such an embodiment, thereleasable material 207 can be pressed into the opening 208 for a snugfit and retained by frictional forces or held in another mechanicallymanner.

FIGS. 9-10 illustrate an alternative embodiment of an oral careimplement 300 with a handle 303 and a head 305 for reducing oral malodorand cleaning the soft tissue in the mouth. The embodiment of oral careimplement 300 is similar in construction to the oral care implement 100of FIGS. 1-5, except that a tissue cleaner 309 supports the releasablematerial on its exterior. For example, the tissue cleaner is covered,coated, or otherwise, encased within a releasable material 307 (see FIG.10). While a breath freshener coating is preferred, the coating alsocould be a medicine, a sensate or combination of materials. Tissuecleaner 309 includes tissue engaging elements 311 similar inconstruction as tissue cleaner 109. There are many forms of thereleasable material 307 which can be used on the tissue cleaner 309. Ina preferred construction, the material 307 may be a confectionaryapplied to the tissue cleaner 309 by a casting or dipping process,although other methods could be used. In this constriction, the material307 can be dissolved in the mouth revealing elements 311 to treat thesoft tissues then the user may clean debris therefrom with the elements311.

In an alternative arrangement of the oral care implement 300, thereleasable material may be provided in solution, emulsion ormicroencapsulation form, then deposited or applied to form a continuousor semi-continuous coating on the surface of the tissue cleaner 309. Thedeposited solution, emulsion or microencapsulation may be then beair-dried, heat assisted dried, heat assisted cured, catalyst assistedcured, or ultra-violet (UV) light activated cured. Nevertheless, othermethods are possible for curing the coating.

The handle 103, 203, 303 and base 106, 206, 306 may be constructed froma material such as a rigid or resilient material, such as abiocompatible plastic used in oral hygienic products. Tissue cleaner 109may be preferably formed by being molded and bonded to the base 106,although other manufacturing processes could be used. For example, thetissue cleaner 109 could be attached by adhesive or other known methodsto the base 106. The tissue cleaner 209, 309 may be over-molded to thebase using known manufacturing methods.

Tissue cleaners 109, 209, 309, during use, may rub against the insidesurfaces of the cheeks or lips, on various surfaces of the tongue, thegums, lips, and roof of the mouth and thus provide a desired massaging,stimulation and cleaning of various soft tissue surfaces within themouth. Additionally due to mechanical interaction of the nubs, someusers may sense a stimulating tingle sensation on the cheek surfacesthat leads to a positive user reaction, and even enjoyment of thecomfortable feel of the tissue cleaner nubs along the soft tissuessurfaces in the mouth.

While a description of preferred constructions of the oral implement hasbeen discussed, it should be understood that benefits of the inventioncan still be obtained with a wide variety of other constructions. Forexample, the material composition comprising the tissue cleaner can beincorporated with a releasable material. In one construction, a chemicalsubstance, such as a sensate, can be released from the tissue cleanermaterial to invoke a biochemical sensory response in the mouth of auser. The releasable material may be released to the inside surfaces ofthe mouth lips, or cheeks, by way of several methods, including but notlimited to abrasion, a temperature change, a change in pH, ordissolution.

In one arrangement of the oral care implement 100 and 200, the chemicalsubstance (e.g., a sensate, medicine or the like) comprising thereleasable material 107, 207 may be compounded into the elastomer and/orthermoplastic of the tissue cleaner 109, 209. In another arrangement thechemical substance may be embedded into microencapsulation form, andthen compounded into the elastomer and/or thermoplastic of the tissuecleaner 109, 209. In this way, the chemical substance can be released ina generally uniform manner during use of the oral care implement. Inthese arrangements, the elastomeric tissue cleaner 109, 209 is providedas one homogeneous element. The chemical (e.g., sensate) will migrateoutward and transfer onto the mouth soft tissues upon contact. In thearrangements of the oral care implement, the chemical substances to bereleased into the mouth may be pre-compounded or pre-formulated withhydrogel based, water-soluble polymers, or other biomaterial prior tofinal compounding into the elastomeric material forming tissue cleaneror prior to final coating of the tissue cleaner.

In one preferred construction, the chemical substances for release intothe mouth can be compounded in a variety of materials, including, butnot limited to thermoplastic elastomer provided by the GLS Corporationunder a production designation of G6725. Nevertheless, other elastomericcompounds are possible for use with a sensate or the like.

As various changes could be made in the above methods, compositions andstructures without departing from the scope of the invention, it isintended that all matter contained in this application, including allmechanisms and/or modes of interaction described above, shall beinterpreted as illustrative only and not limiting in any way the scopeof the appended claims.

1. An oral care implement comprising a handle; a resilient tissuecleaner attached to an end of the handle, the tissue cleaner having aplurality of columnar tissue engaging elements extending therefrom; anda releasable material coated on a surface of the resilient tissuecleaner and being releasable into the mouth of a user during use.
 2. Theoral care implement of claim 1, wherein the tissue cleaner supports thereleasable material on its exterior.
 3. The oral care implement of claim1, wherein the tissue cleaner is covered, coated, or encased within anoral medicament.
 4. The oral care implement of claim 1, wherein thereleasable material comprises at least one of a breath freshener, amedicine, a sensate material, and a confectionary.
 5. The oral careimplement of claim 4, wherein the releasable material is dissolvable ina user's mouth.
 6. The oral care implement of claim 1, wherein thereleasable material forms a continuous or semi-continuous coating on asurface of the tissue cleaner.
 7. The oral care implement of claim 1,wherein the releasable material is an air-driable material, a heatassisted driable material, a heat assisted curable material, a catalystassisted curable material, or an ultra-violet (UV) light activatedcurable material.
 8. The oral care implement of claim 1, wherein thehandle comprises a rigid material or a resilient material.
 9. The oralcare implement of claim 1, wherein the tissue cleaner is molded andbonded to the base.
 10. The oral care implement of claim 9, wherein thetissue cleaner is attached to the base by adhesive.
 11. The oral careimplement of claim 9, wherein the tissue cleaner is over-molded to thebase.
 12. The oral care implement of claim 1, wherein the releasablematerial formulated to invoke a biochemical sensory response in a user'smouth.
 13. The oral care implement of claim 1, wherein the releasablematerial is releaseable within a user's mouth by abrasion, temperaturechange, pH change, dissolution, or combination thereof.
 14. The oralcare implement of claim 1, wherein the releasable material is compoundedinto the material of the tissue cleaner.
 15. The oral care implement ofclaim 14, wherein the releasable material is embedded intomicroencapsulation form and compounded into the material of the tissuecleaner.
 16. The oral care implement of claim 1, wherein the releasablematerial is compounded or formulated with hydrogel based, water-solublepolymers.
 17. The oral care implement of claim 1, wherein the releasablematerial is compounded in a thermoplastic elastomer.
 18. An oral careimplement, comprising: a handle; a tissue cleaner disposed at an end ofthe handle, the tissue cleaner comprising a plurality of tissue engagingelements extending therefrom, the tissue cleaner comprising anelastomeric material; and a releasable material disposed on a surface ofthe tissue cleaner and being releasable into the mouth of a user duringuse.
 19. The oral care implement of claim 18, wherein the plurality oftissue engaging elements comprise columnar elements made from the sameelastomeric material as the tissue cleaner.
 20. An oral care implement,comprising: a handle; an elastomeric tissue cleaner at an end of thehandle, the elastomeric tissue cleaner including a plurality ofelastomeric tissue engaging elements extending therefrom; and areleasable material disposed on a surface of the tissue cleaner andbeing releasable into the mouth of a user during use.